There seems to be no end to the introductory books crammed onto the Buddhism bookshelves these days, but Counsels from My Heart offers novice practitioners earnest wisdom from a Tibetan master, Dudjom Rinpoche (1904-1987). He does a fine job of presenting basic concepts like samsara and the Four Noble Truths, along with some reflections on the importance of the Dalai Lama and the dream for a free Tibet.